it may sound trite, but the simple truth of life is when your pockets are empty they make a real nice place to put your pride

thats basicly like floating a check at the bank. as long as you can get the money in your account before that check you just wrote is presented for payment, its all good. but if something happens..........

So true Flutemaker... Thank you for that...

There is NO shame in asking for help. Please dont view it as a defeat. We have many social service programs in place for just such events. I am so sorry if anyone ever tried to make you feel that you have done something wrong to ask for help when needed. You have a disease that qualifies you beyond suspicion and rumor. Stand up tall, eyes forward, head high, and walk through that door, sit down and say "I could use some help. Can you direct me?" Food is important. Nutrition is so key in helping to fight this disease. We need medicine, and follow ups. We have dry mouth from meds, and need dental care. Please, stand up tall, and ask. The rest of us will be standing here cheerleading you.

Aww... thank you Dejibo.. that made me tear up a little bit... I really appreciate it.. that's what I am going to do tomorrow... I will walk in head held high.. and I am sure I could break down crying if needed... figure that might help my case as well...

I am calling my mom's employer tomorrow to see if she's eligible for a refund for Feb-April. I know she paid full price for her Cobra those months. They don't refund or back pay for anything before February.

Yep, that's why sometimes I think it's best not to give these people too much information. When I was in that situation, I did the same as you: I told the office lady that I hadn't paid my COBRA premium yet, and that the claim for my office visit might get rejected. I started to think I shouldn't have said anything, but she just looked at me funny, and took my co-pay. They weren't the brightest office staff anyway.

I think the check analogy is a good one in regard to the COBRA.

I hope things work out for your. It sounds like it's rough going right now.

Don't tell anyone anything. Don't deal with average mivce. Many are not capable of dealing outside the box. If they where they'd be in higher paying positions. Handle it later. You'll probably have to anyway.
I'm so angry at our country that it's true, not having money means your pockets are good and empty to put your pride into. As a teacher I was a child advocate with many without money or knowledge of the workings of the system, but now I know the MS disability hinders my own capability to handle my own stuff. I have too, but am aware of my problems in doing so. try googling patient advocate for help. This stuff is hard, unfair and most others in medical staff or state/federal agencies are immune to tears it seems.

Patentx and Deijo are right. Hold your head up, it's them, not you who's the idiots and WRONG,anyway my mom told me to always be nice and most aren't being nice and positive, ef em anyway, you deserve stuff, don't let anyone deprive you. It's unfair, but sometimes we have to fight for our rights.

I don't have any better advice than what's already been given. Just wanted to tell you good luck and I'm pulling for you to get what you need. Hang tough!

Momma used to say, "you get more flies with honey, than vinegar" (dont know why we were hunting flies, but I digress...)

I have found that a kind word, and patience, even in the face of a frustrated, overworked, underpaid, under educated, and under prepared for her job worker nets me MUCH bigger gains than the tirade of obscenities that I wish to spew upon them. Its hard sometimes to be patient, but is worth it.

Also, its better to ask for forgiveness, than permisson. you can always say. "Oh, Im sorry, i didnt know that. thank you for helping me" and deal with it later. Asking permisson generally gets you a rule book the size of a NYC phone book, and the appeals process bible. Just nod and smile.

It is sooooo helpful to have an advocate, and that is exactly why I send folks to the churches, and not just the town halls. Town halls have the funds, and the directions, but churches have the advocates, and the folks willing to roll up their sleeves and go sit with you, or help you late into the night filing out paperwork. you NEED a personal touch, not just a hand ful of papers. Even if you dont now, and never intend to attend that church GO ASK! 99% of the time, they are very helpful. If not, go to the church next door.